Jeff Hammond has proven himself as USM's AD

Is retired Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond the right man to lead the University of Southern Mississippi's athletic department? That was a hot topic last spring - and this spring.

Southern Miss President Rodney Bennett said he has not made a decision yet on Hammond's future. The athletic director's one-year contract expires June 30.

"If that time comes, and I get to June 30 or so and I'm not sure, and that contract expires, I believe the university allows me on a 30-day, month-to-month contract," Bennett said during a media roundtable last week. "I'm not going to box myself in a corner on this issue or any other issue. ...

"So, if June 30 comes, and I don't have a conviction, one way or another, we'll go month to month, until such time as I feel good about the decision."

We praise Bennett for wanting to take the time to really look at this issue. After all, he has only been on the job since April. But we don't support a 30-day, month-to-month contract.

Hammond is a divisive figure to say the least. The Golden Eagle nation has been split over the Southern Miss alumnus. His administrative style has come under fire, while his scrutiny of business relationships and contracts within the department has raised some eyebrows.

But Hammond has shown us one thing in his time as AD: He can make decisions, often tough decisions.

Football coach Ellis Johnson was fired after one - winless - season. New football coach Todd Monken was hired, as was basketball coach Donnie Tyndall. A $2.75 million, five-year apparel contract with Russell Athletic was signed. This year's football game against Nebraska will be played in Nebraska, giving Southern Miss a bigger payout (a reported $2.1 million). The move is part of an effort to get the athletic department out of the red.

We think Hammond has proven himself as a competent athletic director, and there has never been any question that he bleeds black and gold.

Bennett said he intends to sit down with Hammond before the end of June. We would like to see Hammond continue as the university's AD, with at least another one-year contract. But if that's not the decision Bennett makes, it would be better to know that now versus 30, 60 or 90 days from now.

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Jeff Hammond has proven himself as USM's AD

Is retired Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond the right man to lead the University of Southern Mississippi's athletic department? That was a hot topic last spring ? and this spring.